The vibes were smooth as the Newport Jazz Festival kicked off another year Friday at Fort Adams. The youth movement in Jazz continued to dominate with stellar performances from artists including Sonnymoom, BADBADNOTGOOD and Cory Henry and the Funk Apostles. Veteran artists showed off their chops as well, with great sets from the Charles Lloyd […]
Ken Abrams
Lifestyle Editor Ken Abrams writes about music, the arts and more for What'sUpNewp. He is also an Editor and Writer for Hey Rhody Media. Ken DJ's "The Kingston Coffeehouse," a roots/folk/rock radio show every Tuesday, 6-9 PM on WRIU 90.3 FM. He is a former educator in the Scituate, RI school system where he taught Social Studies for over 30 years.
He is on the board of the Rhode Island Folk Festival and Newport Live (formerly Common Fence Music), a non-profit that brings diverse musical acts to the Newport area.
Posted inArts & Culture
Newport Folk and Jazz Festivals support local music programs
The Newport Festivals Foundation continues to expand its educational mission in Rhode Island and neighboring states. The Foundation, established in 2011, oversees charitable programs for the Folk and Jazz Festivals. We spoke with Deborah Ross, Educational Director for the Foundation, who oversees the educational programming. “I found out at the Folk Festival that a lot […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: 2018 Newport Jazz Festival Edition
(Above: Andra Day) The fabled Newport Jazz Festival returns this weekend. The original outdoor popular music festival has a spectacular line up as always. Old labels do not apply – like the Folk Festival, there is an incredible variety of music. Here are six favorites to start you off… Charles Lloyd All Weekend The heralded […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
WhatsUp Interview: Jose James Brings the Music of Bill Withers to Newport Jazz
Bill Withers is hot. Everybody seems to be piling well-deserved praise onto the 80-year-old man and his music. A year after the Newport Folk Festival presented a special set dedicated to the legend who wrote “Ain’t No Sunshine,” the Jazz Festival is presenting a set entitled “Lean On Me: José James Celebrates Bill Withers.” It’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture, People & Profiles
Folk Fest Interview: Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule Makes Surprise Appearance
(Above: Warren Haynes and Nels Cline, Photo: Ken Abrams) Warren Haynes is known to many as the former guitarist for The Allman Brothers Band and founder of the popular jam band Gov’t Mule. Haynes made a surprise appearance Sunday at the Newport Folk Festival joining Wilco guitarist Nels Cline in a special set dedicated to […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Scenes from Newport Folk – Saturday and Sunday
The 2018 Newport Folk Festival provided numerous special moments for fans and artists. The range and quality of performers exceeded expectations – there was everything from Gospel to Rock, Jazz to R&B. And yes, some traditional folk thrown in as well. WhatsUp Music Writer Ken Abrams was there and shares a few photos of some […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: 2018 Newport Folk Edition
Well, it’s finally here! The Newport Folk Festival is the highlight of the summer for many music fans and WhatsUpNewp has more Festival coverage than anyone else! This week’s special edition “Six Picks” looks at six fascinating acts scheduled at the festival. Of course, this is not intended to be a comprehensive list – most […]
Posted inNews
The Fans Speak: What’s So Special About Newport Folk?
The Newport Folk Festival is a lot of different things to a lot of different fans. We asked folks in an online forum for their thoughts on what makes Newport special. Here’s what we heard… “Two words—Folk Family!!!” Linda, MA “If I’m being totally honest, it’s the cheese fries. But if you want an answer […]
Posted inArts & Culture
WhatsUp Interviews: Charlie Parr and Darlingside – “First Timers” Head to Folk Festival
What does it mean to play the Newport Folk Festival? How does a musician approach such a career defining moment? This festival season, WhatsUpNewp is covering “first time” Folk and Jazz Festival performers. We asked a couple of “first-timers” how they felt about playing the legendary festival, and to no one’s surprise, shock and awe […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (July 19-July 25)
This weekend is one of the biggest of the year on the local music scene. Indeed, there are some tough choices to make, but here are Six Picks for you to consider. (Above: Deer Tick, photo: Laura Partain) Brian Wilson Friday at Twin River (Lincoln) Music royalty is in the house this weekend at Twin […]
Posted inArts & Culture
WhatsUp Interview: Pat Sansone of The Autumn Defense – Playing POP Providence and Newport Folk
The Autumn Defense, a side project of the acclaimed alt-rock band Wilco, arrive in Providence Friday as part of a brief New England tour that includes an appearance at this year’s Newport Folk Festival. Formed in 1999, the band is known for a sophisticated indie-pop sound with harmonies heavily influenced by 70’s AM radio and […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Photos: Gov’t Mule and Avett Brothers Rule Xfinity Center
(Pictured: Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule) A trio of bands shook the rafters at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield Saturday night, a reminder that rock and roll still rules. Openers Magpie Salute, featuring former members of the Black Crowes got the party started. Newport Folk favorites The Avett Brothers were up next, with a full […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (June 12-July 18)
Lots of cool music out there this weekend starting with some big names at the Xfinity center along with several free shows around the state. Get out and enjoy some live music! (Photo: Avett Brothers) Gov’t Mule and Avett Brothers at Xfinity Center (Mansfield) Rock and Roll will be front and center Saturday night at […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (June 5-July 11)
Local bands and rock and roll dominate the music scene this week on “Six Picks.” We introduce the “Local Show of the Week,” a new feature which includes a video of a local or regional artist. (Pictured: Tedeschi Trucks Band, Photo: Stuart Levine) LOCAL SHOW OF THE WEEK: Nova One Friday at the Columbus Theatre […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Rhythm & Roots Festival to Offer Free Music Lessons
A free music camp at the Rhythm & Roots Festival in Charlestown is open to all children 8-18, even if their families are not attending the annual music and dance festival at Ninigret Park over Labor Day Weekend. Kids can learn to play, sing and perform traditional Cajun music. Classes are offered in fiddle, guitar, […]
Posted inNews
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (June 28-July 4)
“Six Picks” is our weekly line-up of some of the best music around the state. We’re well into the summer concert season and that means tons of great vibes. Read on for details. (Photo: Grace Morrison) Lori McKenna Sunday at Greenwich Odeum (East Greenwich) Singer-songwriter Lori McKenna is one of the nation’s top country music […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (June 21-27)
Summer is officially here and that means great music all weekend long. We’ve got a few suggestions in our weekly column “Six Picks.” (Pictured: Briana White, appearing at Downtown Sundown Saturday) The Wailers Thursday at Greenwich Odeum (East Greenwich) The late Bob Marley’s band comes to East Greenwich tonight (Thursday). Led by bassist and Wailer’s […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Live Concert Photos: Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly Rock Bold Point Park
Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly rocked the pants off Bold Point Park in East Providence Saturday night. Their brand of “in your face” Celtic Punk was just what the doctor ordered on a beautiful summer evening. Openers Malyssa Bellarosa and Jake Burns set the tone for the high energy show. WhatsUpNewp was there and brings […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (June 14-June 20)
The summer concert season is in full swing, and we’ve got your top picks for music and more this weekend. Check ‘em out! Dropkick Murphys/Flogging Molly Saturday at Bold Point (East Providence) Two top “Celtic Punk” bands arrive at Bold Point Saturday evening for a kick ass summer night of fun! Dropkick Murphys have become […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Concert Review: Train and Hall & Oates Rock Xfinity
It was a tale of two bands Thursday night at the Xfinity Center – spiritual peers, although a generation apart in age. That didn’t matter one bit to fans as Train and Hall & Oates brought especially good vibes to Mansfield, warming the cool June evening with hits big and small. It’s not every day […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (June 7-13)
With a major music and arts festival in Providence, we’ve got a multitude of musical choices this weekend. But first, we’ll lead off “Six Picks” with a couple of shows just over the RI border happening Thursday night. Hall and Oates with Train Thursday at Xfinity Center (Mansfield) Calling All Angels …the show of the […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (May 31-June 6)
All kinds of music around the state this weekend on our weekly round-up “Six Picks.” Read on for some of the area’s best shows. Cheryl Wheeler Saturday at Courthouse Center (Kingston) RI Music Hall of Fame inductee Cheryl Wheeler returns to the area Saturday night for a show at the Courthouse Center for the Arts. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Album Review: Newport Folk Festival’s Triumphant “Speak Out”
Speak Out was Released on Record Store Day The Newport Folk Festival is no stranger to political activism. Shaped by the likes of Seeger, Baez, and Dylan, the Festival has been a hotbed of progressive politics since its inception in 1959. Newport Folk Presents: Speak Out is a 2018 Record Store Day release recorded live […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Six Picks: The Best in Local Music This Week (May 24-30)
The holiday weekend means more time to enjoy live music! We’ve got your “Six Picks” this week all over the Ocean State and beyond. Summer’s here… Bring it on! Z-Boys Thursday at Newport Blues Cafe (Newport) Its an all-Newport show tonight at the Newport Blues Café as Thursday “residents” the Z-Boys host fellow islanders Silverteeth. […]
Posted inArts & Culture
WhatsUp Interview: Roots Rocker Alejandro Escovedo, Coming to Greenwich Odeum Friday
(Photo: Nancy Rankin Escovedo) Alejandro Escovedo is a bit of a musical Renaissance man. The singer-songwriter was present at the onset of punk in the 1970s, when he was with the San Francisco band The Nuns. He reinvented himself somewhat in the 1980’s/1990s to become a part of the burgeoning Americana scene. By the late […]